Day 3

Hiked in to Springer and then on solo to Hawk Mountain Campsites at mile marker 7.4.

Well, I did it. I survived my first day. After going to Springer with the gang, I started walking. I was freaking out in the inside. As they say, the trail provides though. I met "No Dog" on trail after meeting a trail runner named Tom who talked to me about my camping plans and where the next long water carry would be. No Dog was just hiking in to camp for one night and then head back to his car. We started talking and he ended up hiking all the way to the Hawk Mountain campsite with me. First, took a side trail to a cemetery and church and they have a privy open all the time for hikers. Right when I needed it! No Dog and I pitched our tents on pads near each other so I had a bit of camaraderie. I might have said I needed to get out here to be alone for a while, and I definitely am right now after eating and in my tent, but his companionship and someone to talk to wh I has thru hiked before was what I needed on my first day out here. Kept me from really freaking out! It's going to get COLD tonight. It's at 40 right now and could get lower than 30. We'll see what the temp min/max says in the morning. That's it for now. Oh, took a small side trail to see Long Creek Falls. Absolutely stunning! Loved it! What an amazing first day.